Following exclusive bi-coastal screenings at The GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, The Palomino has earned enthusiastic praise from journalists, musicians, cultural institutions, and the community that lived the story firsthand. Hailed as both an essential piece of American music history and a deeply moving story of family, legacy, and belonging, the film has resonated powerfully with audiences across generations and genres.
“It is impossible to imagine a better film about Los Angeles honky-tonkin’ than The Palomino. It is simply among the finest music documentaries I’ve ever seen.”
— Chris Morris, Music Journalist & Author (Billboard, Rolling Stone, The Hollywood Reporter)
“The documentary was brilliantly put together by director Adrienne Isom and producer KP Hawthorn. It was a fascinating and very moving film… We cannot recommend it more highly.”
— Peter Jesperson, Veteran Music Executive, Former A&R Executive at New West Records & Co-Founder of Twin/Tone Records
“Filmmakers Adrienne Isom and KP Hawthorn have done a hell of a job in their eight years of work on the film. If you care about either country music or L.A. music history… you’ll love this movie.”
— Chris Willman, Chief Music Critic, Variety
“I loved the movie so much, it instantly took me back in time and made me want to go straight to L.A.”
— Lucinda Williams, Three-Time Grammy-Winning Singer-Songwriter
“We were thrilled to host an exclusive screening, diving deep into the secret history of the North Hollywood neon-lit venue that built a country music revolution…”
— GRAMMY Museum, Official Event Coverage
“The Nashville screening was more than a film premiere — it was a cultural homecoming… a powerful tribute to a venue that helped define American music but never received the recognition it deserved.”
— MusicCityNashville.net
Just north of Hollywood, hidden in plain sight on a rustic stretch of Lankershim Boulevard, stood a neon-lit honkytonk that would unexpectedly shape the future of American music. ‘The Palomino’ is a vibrant, untold history of the most influential country music venue you’ve never heard of - the beating heart of California Country from 1949 to 1995.
While Nashville claimed tradition, The Palomino built a revolution. This legendary North Hollywood bar became the west coast proving ground for rebels, innovators and outlaws such as Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash, who rewrote the rules of country music. Emmylou Harris, Dwight Yoakam, Lucinda Williams, Merle Haggard, Elvis Costello, The Pretenders and George Jones - they all passed through The Pal’s humble doors and left forever changed.
Beyond the twang and stardom, this is also a story of family, love and personal tragedy, all woven into the fabric of The Palomino’s legendary past through the memories of those who lived them.
Fueled by freedom, grit, and raw talent, The Palomino Club was more than a venue; it was a movement. Through wild stories, unseen archival footage, and unforgettable performances, this film unearths a secret history where Dust Bowl migrants, movie cowboys, and rock ‘n’ roll misfits collided to spark a musical and cultural renaissance. If not for The Palomino, country music wouldn’t sound - or look - the way it does today.
left to right - Writer KP Hawthorn, Rosie Flores, Director Adrienne Isom - Photo by Chris Haston at The Valley Relics Museum
Directed By Adrienne Isom
Adrienne Cohen Isom is a filmmaker, photographer, bassist, and music historian dedicated to preserving and celebrating America's rich musical heritage. As co-founder of Mule Kick Productions and Mule Kick Records, she has built a career around championing authentic artists and untold stories. In 2018, she garnered national attention by reopening the legendary Palomino Club for the first time in 23 years, reconnecting a new generation with one of the most important venues in American roots music history. Through film, photography, and live events, Isom continues to uncover and preserve stories that might otherwise be lost to time.
Written By KP Hawthorn
Recording artist, producer and songwriter, KP Hawthorn, has been a member of bands CALICO The Band and The HawtThorns, as well as having released several solo albums under the moniker Kirsten Proffit. Her recordings have been heard on network television, cable and the big screen for 2 decades. With a recent focus on California Country music history and the legacy of the Palomino Club (North Hollywood), she and her partner in Mule Kick Productions are in the final phase of a documentary on the topic. In addition to her role as writer of the documentary, she has recorded and produced tracks featured in the film. KP currently resides in East Nashville, TN and is a supporter of the artistry in the community.
About Mule Kick Productions:
Los Angeles, CA/Nashville, TN based Mule Kick Productions is a female owned production company which began to facilitate the creation of The Palomino Documentary. The Mule Kick team helped to reopen the famous venue in North Hollywood for the first time in 23 years The Palomino, L.A. Country-Music Venue That Hosted Patsy Cline and Gram Parsons, Re-Opens for One Night - Rosie Flores, Jim Lauderdale, Chip Kinman and more relive the club's glory days one last time. By Chris Morris / Variety in 2018 and began interviewing the many artists, musicians, historians and others to assemble the story. DBA Mule Kick Records, the company expanded its goals and began releasing records by legacy and up-and-coming artists who connect with the mission and brand of the boutique label.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:
Emma Tillinger Koskoff
Gary Thomas
PRODUCED BY:
Nick Koskoff
Marisol Herold
Lisa Kaas Boyle
Shilah Morrow
EDITED BY:
Damian Rodriguez
Esther Shubinski
Nick Taylor
FULL CREDITS
CONTACT
amulekickproduction@gmail.com
www.mulekickproctions.com
left to right - Producer Nick Koskoff, Producer Lisa Kaas Boyle, Director Adrienne Isom, Panelist James Intveld, Panelist Rosie Flores, Panelist Tony Booth, Writer KP Hawthorn, Producer Shilah Morrow, Panelist Scott B. Bomar - Photo Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
left to right - Tont Booth, Rosie Flores, James Intveld, John Jorgenson, Director Adrienne Isom, Writer KP Hawthorn, Moderator Scott B. Bomar - Courtesy of the Recording Academy™️/photo by Rebecca Sapp, Getty Images© 2026.
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